William Sole

Spelled and referred to variously, William Sole was an Albany resident during the second half of the eighteenth century. We seek definitive information on his origins and path to Albany. At this point we believe that he is not Albany contemporary William Zoble (or Sobel).

In June 1758, Sole married the widow Margarita Wyngaert Phillips at the Albany Dutch church. At that time, both partners were identified as living in the "this city." By 1767, four children had been christened at the church.

In September 1759, he purchased a lot from James Adams for £150 located on the west side of the highway leading to the pasture and bordered on the south by "old" Fort Orange. At that time, both parties were identified as Albany "yeomen." In March 1761, he purchased an adjoining lot from Abraham Myndertse.

Curiously, his name has not been found on available assessment rolls from the 1760s. However, in October 1779 his property was valued on the city assessment roll.

Perhaps this individual served in the Revolutionary army. A William Sole was an enlisted man on a roster of Willett's Levies late in the war. He also was identified as "quartermaster Serjeant." Afterwards, his name was included on a list of those accorded land bounty rights in conjunction with the Albany militia regiment.

After that, Sole's name was no longer found on Albany rolls. Additionally, other same-named contemporaries fought in the war.

Perhaps our William Sole was among "Willett's men" who were killed in Canada in 1781.